Members of Local 258 IBEW are recognizing this year’s International Women’s Day as an important time to reflect on the accomplishments of women in our union and to recognize the need to continue to move forward to make further gains for women both in our workplaces and in our communities.

“We are proud to support all the women in our union, including the many who are taking an active role to promote important issues that affect working women,” says Doug McKay, Local 258 IBEW Business manager. “And we remain actively working with and supporting our members who step forward and participate with our Local’s Women’s Committee.”

Sister Nicole Biernaczyk, Assistant Business Manager with the Local who serves as Chair of the Local 258 IBEW Women’s Committee says, “Although March 8th is recognized as International Women’s Day, I am very proud of our union sisters who have stepped forward in leadership roles in our workplaces – as Shop Stewards, serving on our Unit Executives and on various committees and attending our union meetings – who also spend their time throughout the year showing strength, determination and foresight as they assist their union sisters and brothers with important issues in their workplaces.”

Sister Biernaczyk also serves as the appointed International Rep for the IBEW First District (Canada) Women’s Committee.

Recently, many members of Local 258’s Women’s Committee attended a Women’s Leadership Training event, an informative, educational “train-the-trainer” session hosted by IBEW Local 213 that featured facilitators Sister Amanda Pacheco, Director of Education at the IBEW International Office and Sister Tracy Prezeau, International Representative of the IBEW’s Education Department.

“There’s a growing strength that’s cultivated when you have the support of your union at educational and training events that focus on some of the unique issues that women face in today’s labour movement,” says Sister Biernaczyk. “I am very proud of the support and the leadership role the IBEW consistently plays in bringing everyone together on these important matters.”

Celebratory events are taking place around the world in recognition of International Women’s Day, including a dinner sponsored by the Vancouver District Labour Council where Local 258 IBEW members will be in attendance.